GARY Chappell’s record as player and captain at Bradninch, now Bradninch & Kentisbeare, virtually speaks for itself. As a player he has amassed more than 8,000 Premier and A Division runs – and taken 463 wickets. Memorable days include a double-ton against Sandford in 2016 and eight Budleigh Salterton wickets in a match back in 2010. As a captain he has won two Premier Division titles (2022, 2024) and the Devon T20 Cup in 2021 and 2022. He was a Devon T20 cup winner in 2015 during a stint with Exmouth – and played for them in the ECB national final in Cardiff. It is an impressive record that confers respect for the views of the holder. In this personal statement ahead of the final game of the season, Chappell reflects on the pleasures and frustrations of skippering a side in the Tolchards DCL Premier Division – and lays to rest some of the rumours surrounding his recent home move to Dorset
I've heard and read a lot that I'm moving away, not playing anymore, and it's the end of Bradninch & Kentisbeare’s chances to compete. Far from it and people might be surprised.
We've come a long way as a club over the last few years with finishes of first, second and first again in the Premier Division, as well as our 2nd XI moving up the divisions.
Contending with multiple injuries to key players, constant availability issues and an inability to win the toss has challenged us at times. But the depth we have, and character and quality of the lads, has got us over the line.
You can't rely on a few players to win a league given the competitive nature of it and some pitches/weather conditions being 'levellers'. It's been a real team effort with everyone contributing throughout the season and they all deserve huge recognition.
The familiar 'senior' faces have done the job and continue to show there's plenty of life left in them.
Josh Farley gets better every year and can't be far off the Devon team.Only Jackson Thompson (Sandford) has more wickets among English players – and Josh has to bowl on one of the best pitches in the Premier Division.
Theo Lamey and Joe Gillett have bedded in and will be ready to play more prominent roles next season.
Jon Triner has taken to Premier Cricket very easily – and Justin Wubbeling has been a superb addition. With more young Devon lads growing up and the progression of some of the younger 2nd XI players, the future looks bright.
There may be a new captain next year, we shall see... But I plan on continuing to play a big role with the club and have no doubts we'll be fighting at the top for a while longer.
For now we shall enjoy Saturday and then focus on planning for next year in the coming months.”
BRADNINCH & KENTISBEARE v EXETER
Exeter (Joe Gore): The lads are keen to put right some mistakes from last weekend and finishing what has been a good season for the team. This time of year we'd imagine the Bradninch pitch to have many runs in it so I'm sure some will be keen to cash in. Giving everything like we have this season is how we want to finish. Freddie Cockram in.
